Sunday, 6 October 2013 – 5:19 PM
| Comments Off on A long-overdue Bent Alaska update — October 2013
Bent Alaska’s blog will continue in hiatus indefinitely; but the Bent Alaska Facebook Group on Facebook is thriving — join us! A long-overdue update from Bent Alaska’s editor.
Wednesday, 30 December 2009 – 5:14 AM
| 2 Comments
Queer Alaska had a busy year! Here are some of the highs and lows compiled from the blog, the newsletter, and your suggestions on Bent’s Facebook wall:
Best moment: The Anchorage Assembly passed the LGBT nondiscrimination ordinance.
Worst moments: Mayor Sullivan vetoed the nondiscrimination ordinance and Debbie Ossiander refused to override the veto.
Sweet Consequences moment: Ossiander was fired from the chair position on the Assembly.
Best LGBT improvement
State: Fairbanks School District added gender identity to the non-discrimination policy
National: The federal Hate Crimes Act
Worst narrowly avoided disaster: Wayne Anthony Ross becoming Alaska’s Attorney General
Best allies: The 7 Assembly members who voted for the nondiscrimination ordinance, and all the allies who testified, wrote letters, and attended the hearings and protests, standing shoulder to shoulder with us in support of equality and against the forces of hate. Honorable mention to the Fairbanks allies who protested against the ex-gay speaker at UAF.
Worst homophobes: Mayor Sullivan? Debbie Ossiander? Rev. Prevo? Wayne Anthony Ross? Those crazed bigots spitting hellfire and homophobia at the Assembly hearings? So many to choose from.
Best visiting LGBT celebrity: Dan Savage, author of The Slog
Best LGBT movie shown in Alaska: MILK at the Bear Tooth in Anchorage, the Blue Loon in Fairbanks, and the Pioneer Theater in Homer. Honorable mentions: Outrage at the Bear Tooth, and Brother Outsider at the Anchorage Museum.
Best LGBT live theater: Midnight Soapscum at Out North, The Lion Sings Tonight benefit for Four A’s, Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Pier One in Homer and Mad Myrna’s in Anchorage, Sordid Lives at Myrna’s, Dog Sees God at Out North, and Shakespeare’s R&J by Thunder Mountain in Juneau.
Best solo shows: Tim Miller at Out North, and Bryan Emler at MCC.
Biggest events in Anchorage: PrideFest, Coronation, Celebration of Change, and the True Diversity Dinner
Fairbanks: the protests against the ex-gay speaker at UAF, the Fetish Ball, and PFLAG in the Golden Days parade
Juneau: Femme Fatale, the Pride Picnic, and the Pride Chorus concerts
Homer: Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and MILK
Mat-Su: April’s Follies
Event most celebrated by LGBT people in different parts of Alaska: July 4th
(The 2008 event with the widest participation by LGBT people around Alaska was the Prop 8 protest.)
Thursday, 17 December 2009 – 2:32 AM
| Comments Off on Sissies not welcome at Fairbanks University
The University of Alaska, Fairbanks has a new ad campaign: a site called WeedsOutWimps.UAF features recruitment videos with this tip on how to deal with the frigid winters in central Alaska:
“If you’re gonna call yourself an Alaskan, you gotta just dive right in, you can’t be a sissy and wimp out because it’s a little cold outside.”
The first video that comes up on the site was titled “No Sissies.” The title was changed to “Awesomely Cold” yesterday, but the sissy quote remains the focus of the video. The quote is also repeated in a second recruitment video called “Yeah, It’s Cold.”
A message on the UAF Facebook page from Scott McCrea, Director of Marketing and Communications, reads: “The definition of the phrase “No Sissies” in our recruitment campaign meant to imply a person who would not be able to handle the extreme conditions presented by Mother Nature in Interior Alaska. This word is used to explain the attitude and independence that so many people who attend UAF find in Fairbanks.”
The dictionary definition of “sissy” is “an effeminate man or boy; also, a timid or cowardly person.”
It’s like using the word gay to mean stupid. Sissy means both a wimp or coward, and a man who is not as masculine as men are expected to be. The double meaning is the insult.
UAF is still recovering from a controversy over an ex-gay speaker brought up by the Bible club earlier this semester. In his Convocation speech, Chancellor Brian Rogers responded to the protests: “I’m committed to an open and welcoming and inclusive university… I know there are times where this campus does not feel welcoming, inclusive or safe to some of our members. I’d like to change that.”
A “no sissies” ad campaign calling effeminate male students wimps and not real Alaskans is a poor choice for a university that is trying to be safe and inclusive.
So UAF, you think “sissies” aren’t brave enough to handle the harsh winter climate in Fairbanks? Well, that’s nothing compared to the harsh social climate of homophobia. Sissies can also be fierce, and this young man danced half naked in the snow right there at your school. Can you do this:
If you’ve been in a grocery story or mall recently (and who hasn’t?), you have seen and heard the Salvation Army’s Christmas bell-ringers collecting donations for charity. Straight bell-ringers, because the Salvation Army does not hire gays.
And many gays do not give to the Salvation Army, choosing to give money to charities that do not discriminate against us instead of those that do.
In addition to not hiring gays, the Salvation Army actively lobbies for anti-gay laws, calls gay couples with children ‘pretend’ families, and promotes celibacy as the only option for gay Christians.
But the Salvation Army is not the only option for giving. Queer Alaskans who want to donate to nondiscriminatory charities have many choices. Three local charities with good records are Beans Cafe and homeless shelter for adults and Covenant House for homeless youth, both in Anchorage, and the Street Outreach and Advocacy Program for homeless kids in Fairbanks.
The Salvation Army works on a much larger scale, and some gays and allies say that justifies their donations.
UAF Gay-Straight Alliance movie night 12/14, 5 p.m. in the Women’s Center (Eilson 112). Jessi.
Wednesday LGBTA Social around 9:30 p.m. Email Joshua for the current location.
Mat-Su Valley
Mat-Su LGBT Community Center in Palmer is open M-F 5-8 p.m. (except 6-8 on Wed.) The social group meets Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m. at Vagabond Blues.
Anchorage
Lesbian Film Night 12/11, 6 p.m. RSVP for location: LGBT Meetup group.
Friday Diva Variety Show 12/11, 9 p.m at Mad Myrna’s.
Second Saturday in Spenard 12/12, 9 p.m. Music, raffle and auction at the Spenard Roadhouse to benefit Four A’s.
Holiday Tapas Taster 12/13, around 5 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s.
“Your mind is not your enemy” 12/13, 1-3 p.m. Talk on Tantric Buddhism at the A.T.O.M. Center by an LGBT-friendly rinpoche. Contact Bird for more info.
This week’s LGBT events from the statewide newsletter Alaska GLBT News.
Juneau
SEAGLA Social Fridays (6-8 p.m.) for GLBT people and our friends over 21, at The Imperial Bar, downtown.
Fairbanks
LGBTA Christmas Concert Gathering with the social group, Sunday 12/6, 4 p.m. for the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert in the David Concert Hall, UAF. Tickets here, and email Joshua to RSVP.
UAF Gay-Straight Alliance meets Mondays at 5 p.m. in the Women’s Center (Eilson 112). Jessi.
Wednesday LGBTA Social around 9:30 p.m. Email Joshua for the current location.
Mat-Su Valley
Mat-Su LGBT Community Center in Palmer is open M-F 5-8 p.m. (except 6-8 on Wed.) The social group meets Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m. at Vagabond Blues.
Anchorage
Kristara is co-hosting the Friday Night Diva Variety Show 12/4, 9 p.m at Mad Myrna’s.
Comic Mike Lebovitz 12/5, 8 p.m. performs at Mad Myrna’s and part of the proceeds benefit the YWCA.
Gay, Joyous and Free AA Meeting, Mondays 6:00 p.m. at the GLCCA.
“American Primitive” showing at the Bear Tooth 12/9, 8 p.m. as this year’s Gay-La gay movie with the Anchorage International Film Festival. Followed by an after-party at Myrna’s around 10 p.m.
Tuesday, 1 December 2009 – 1:30 PM
| Comments Off on Alaska observes World AIDS Day
Today, Dec 1, is World AIDS Day and Alaskans will remember those lost to HIV/AIDS, and honor those living with HIV/AIDS, by holding candlelight vigils in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau, and by wearing red ribbons.
“Universal Access and Human Rights” is the 2009 theme for World AIDS Day, “doing everything we can to support countries to reach their universal access goals for HIV prevention, treatment, care and support – all the while protecting and promoting human rights,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé.
Unaids.org reports that there are currently 33.4 million people worldwide infected with HIV and 2 million of those are children. Last year saw nearly 2.7 million new cases of HIV.
To help HIV prevention, treatment, care and support in Alaska, make donations to Four A’s (southcental and southeast) and IAA (interior), and visit Four A’s for the list of locations in Anchorage and Juneau that have a paint can full of free Red Ribbons.
Alaska’s World AIDS Day events
Anchorage:
Join Four A’s for the annual World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil, at 6 p.m. in the UAA Wolf’s Den (Student Union/Bookstore Building). Four A’s also co-presented the documentary “Sex Positive” with the Bear Tooth on Monday night as a World AIDS Day event.
Juneau:
Join Four A’s for the Juneau World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil at 6:30 p.m. in the Baranof Hotel. Four A’s is also sponsoring a free showing of “Life Support” on Wednesday, December 2 at the Gold Town Nickolodean Theater at 8 p.m.
Fairbanks:
Join Interior Aids Association for a World AIDS Day Walk and Vigil on Tuesday, Dec 1. Meet at IAA at 5:30 p.m. for a Candle Light Walk to First United Methodist, 915 2nd Ave. and a service and potluck at 6 p.m.
Homer:
HIV testing is available today and every day without an appointment at Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic. Red ribbons are located at KBFPC, K-Bay Caffe & Two Sisters.
– photo: Alex Barros reminds drivers to wear a red ribbon for World AIDS Day. Supporters of Four A’s stood on the corners of Northern Lights and New Seward, and Northern Lights and Minnesota, in Anchorage this morning.
Anchorage, along with many other American cities, held a candlelight vigil last Sunday afternoon on the Park Strip to honor two young men who lost their lives recently because of anti-gay and anti-trans hate: Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado, age 19, was beheaded and dismembered, and James Mattison, age 15, was raped and stabbed to death. Thanks to Christopher Narvaez for organizing the vigil, and to Heather Aronno for the story and photos posted on Alaska Commons.
“The Morality of Same-Sex Marriage”
Listen online to the lecture that Dr. Joseph Thompson of UAF’s Philosophy department gave Nov 20 on “The Morality of Same-Sex Marriage.” The event was sponsored by the UAF Socratic Society and hosted by the UAF Gay-Straight Alliance.
Gospel Show benefits MCC
Miss MeMe’s Gospel Show raised $500 for the MCC Church. Thank you to those of you who supported the show and ICOAA: the Friday Divas who performed, the titleholders who participated, and all of our court and supporters.
A Seat at the Table
Christopher Constant is throwing a fundraising event on Monday at Mad Myrna’s to get ready to run openly-LGBT political candidates in Alaska. It is well past time we had a seat at the table. Chris will bring his limited edition art prints for sale, as well as two first edition “Dyke Life” board games designed by local Radical Arts for Women member Kenna Bates. Please join him and help this important effort.
Thursday, 26 November 2009 – 12:36 PM
| Comments Off on This Week in LGBT Alaska 11/26/09
Enjoy the Thanksgiving weekend! Then join Four A’s in Anchorage and Juneau, and Interior AIDS Association in Fairbanks, for World AIDS Day events on and around December 1. Paint the Town Red by wearing a red ribbon on World AIDS Day to support those affected by HIV/AIDS. Visit Four A’s for the list of locations in Anchorage and Juneau that have free red ribbons.
This week’s events from the statewide newsletter Alaska GLBT News.
Juneau
Gay Cosmic Bowling 11/28, meet at 7:40 p.m. in the Juneau Bowling Center on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil with Four A’s on Tuesday 12/1, 6:30 p.m. at the Baranof Hotel.
“Life Support” 12/2, 8 p.m. A free showing at the Gold Town Nickolodean Theater, sponsored by Four A’s.
SEAGLA Social Fridays (6-8 p.m.) for GLBT people and our friends over 21, at The Imperial Bar, downtown.
Fairbanks
World AIDS Day Candlelight Walk & Vigil 12/1, 5:30 p.m. Meet at Interior Aids Association for the Candlelight Walk to First United Methodist, a World AIDS Day service at 6 p.m. and a potluck.
UAF Gay-Straight Alliance meets Mondays at 5 p.m. in the Women’s Center (Eilson 112). Jessi.
Wednesday LGBTA Social around 9:30 p.m. Email Joshua for the current location.
Mat-Su Valley
Mat-Su LGBT Community Center in Palmer is open M-F 5-8 p.m. (except 6-8 on Wed.) The social group meets Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m. at Vagabond Blues.
Mat-Su LGBT Community Center in Palmer is open M-F 5-8 p.m. (except 6-8 on Wed.) The social group meets Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m. at Vagabond Blues.
Anchorage
Integrity, the Episcopal GLBT group, meets 11/20, 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church the third Friday of the month. Potluck, fellowship and worship. All are welcome.
The Rocky Horror Show, 11/20-11/21, Fri & Sat 7 p.m., and Sat also at 10 p.m. $20 at Mad Myrna’s.
Candlelight Vigil Against Hate Crimes, in memory of Jason Mattison Jr and Jorge Steven Mercado 11/22, 3-4 p.m. along the Park Strip at 9th and L St, in front of the American Flag. Bring a candle.
Miss MeMe’s Gospel Show 11/22, 4 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s, a fundraiser for MCC and ICOAA.
Saturday, 14 November 2009 – 7:59 AM
| Comments Off on TDOR, Thanksgiving, World AIDS Day, FBX Bear Club, ICOAA Cares, & the Trevor Project
Gay AK – news briefs for and about LGBT Alaska
Transgender Day of Remembrance, Nov. 20
The 11th International Transgender Day of Remembrance is on November 20, recognizing those who were killed during the previous year because of anti-transgender hate and violence. All are invited to join MCC Anchorage at the Sunday Service on Nov. 22 to commemorate the lives of our trans brothers and sisters who were tragically taken.
Eve’s Family & Friends Thanksgiving Dinner
Eve is cooking up Thanksgiving Goodies, and all this baby needs is a kitchen and a slave for a day. We’re doing 2 dinners, and this year it’s at the Raven Bar, on Nov. 25 at 5 p.m. and Nov. 26 at 3 p.m. The Raven Bar is located at 4th and Gambell, in downtown Anchorage. RSVP on the Thanksgiving Dinner Facebook event page.
World AIDS Day on December 1
Join Four A’s for their annual World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil to remember those we’ve lost to HIV/AIDS and honor those who are still living with the disease. Vigil begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday Dec. 1, in The Wolf’s Den at UAA. On Monday, Nov. 30, Four A’s is co-presenting the documentary film Sex Positive with Bear Tooth Theater as a World AIDS Day event. The film begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are $3. Sex Positive is rated R for brief nudity, sexual scenes and graphic language.
Dan Savage and Scott Turner Schofield return
We already have great LGBT events on the calendar for 2010: sex-columnist and political activist Dan Savage is returning to UAA on February 12, transgender performer Scott Turner Schofield is returning to Out North on January 14-17, and the dates are already set for Celebration of Change (3/27) and the spring Womyn’s Dance (4/17).
Imperial Court collects food, clothes and toys for the holidays
I.C.O.A.A. Cares will be accepting donations in the way of non-perishable food items, new clothes and toys for the holidays. We will get these items to local organizations for disbursement. You may drop new unwrapped items at Mad Myrna’s until December 20. The Empress and Emperor will also try and get donation barrels for The Raven and The GLBT Center. Thanks in advance for your generosity.
Bear Men’s Club in Fairbanks
Let’s revive the Bear Men’s Monthly Potluck in Fairbanks. If you are interested in a once a month or even bi-monthly gathering, please respond. It will be open to all men, bears and their admirers, and men interested in a gay men’s function in Fairbanks. Contact Michael for more info.
The Trevor Project wants you to Be Proud and Speak Out
Do you have a story for the Trevor Project? They want to hear all about it. Record a video, upload it by November 29 and you could win a prize. Create a short video telling the world about your experiences as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning youth within your family, school and/or communities. Please read the rules and regulations. The deadline is 11:59 PM on Sunday, November 29, 2009.
The very real consequences of DADT repeal; seeking survivor benefits for same-sex partner of Alaska shooting victim; waiting on SCOTUS decision about whether it will hear Prop 8 case; and other recent LGBTQ news selected by Sara Boesser in Juneau, Alaska.
In this month’s “Ask Lambda Legal” column, Lambda Legal answers a question about the federal government’s longstanding ban against donations of blood from men who have sex with men (MSM).
Alaska Pride Conference 2012 kicks off on October 5 with a First Friday showing at Tref.Punkt Studio of Love is Love, a photographic exhibit of LGBT couples from across the state.
United for marriage: Light the way to justice. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments this Tuesday and Wednesday, March 26–27, in two cases about freedom to marry. Please join us on Tuesday, March 26, at the federal courthouse in Anchorage (7th & C) in a circle united for equality.
Pariah, a critically acclaimed film about a 17-year-old African-American woman embracing her lesbian identity, will screen at UAA on Friday, November 2, and will be followed by a discussion on acceptance in honor of Mya Dale. The event is free and open to the public.
